Multilayer nonwoven architecture for reducing menstrual stain visibility

Overview

This technology presents a multilayer nonwoven architecture designed to reduce menstrual stain visibility without relying on chemical bleaching of blood. By combining directional wetting, capillary transport, size-selective cell retention, hemoglobin adsorption, and optical scattering, the system maintains pad functionality while minimizing the appearance of stains. It can be integrated above conventional acquisition/absorbent cores, preserving rapid uptake, dryness, comfort, and leak protection.

Technical specifications

• A plasma-patterned topsheet creates directional wettability for rapid vertical fluid movement and limited lateral spreading.
• A subsurface gradient fibrous layer preferentially retains red blood cells and adsorbs free hemoglobin/heme.
• An underlying high-scattering layer optically masks residual color.
• The modular design can be incorporated with standard nonwoven topsheets and existing pad architectures.
• Validation includes screening of commercial soft PE/PP and bicomponent nonwovens, optimizing plasma treatment, developing gradient layers, and integrating with a high-scattering layer and conventional absorbent core.

Technology readiness level

The technology is at an early development stage. Future validation will progress through staged testing of materials, layer development, prototype integration, and performance evaluation using blood or realistic menstrual-fluid simulants. Key metrics include stain area/color intensity, acquisition time, rewet, leakage, compression performance, and surface dryness. The optimal architecture will be optimized for layer thickness, material use, comfort, manufacturability, and compatibility with existing pad production.